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Memorial Day Weekend 2023 in DC: Festivals, Parades, Concerts, and More Things To Do

Honor fallen service members at the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade. Photo courtesy of the Falls Church Government
Honor fallen service members at the Falls Church Memorial Day Parade. Photo courtesy of the Falls Church Government
5/24/23 - By Jennifer Swope

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

A long weekend brings extra opportunities for family fun. As can be expected in and around our nation’s capital, there are plenty of chances to celebrate Memorial Day with parades, concerts, and more. The National Memorial Day Concert on the Mall and the National Memorial Day Parade are just two of the many events happening this weekend to honor fallen soldiers.

Two museum exhibits open this weekend and run through Labor Day weekend: Curious George: Let's Get Curious! at the National Children's Museum, and Brick City at the National Building Museum, both of which are sure to captivate children all summer long.

This weekend also kicks off the season of summer festivals in the DC area, with fun options like ViVa Vienna! and the Hometown Holidays Music Fest in Rockville. And if you need a change of scenery, try one of our favorite summer day trips from DC for families.

Don’t miss our lists of DC's free outdoor concerts, the best swimming lakes near DC, and free outdoor movies near DC.

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Enjoy classic rides and games at the ViVa Vienna! carnival. Photo courtesy of the carnival's Facebook page
Enjoy classic rides and games at the ViVa Vienna! carnival. Photo courtesy of the carnival's Facebook page

Top Things to Do in DC this Memorial Day Weekend with Kids

Madagascar The Musical

Tysons, VA - Friday, May 26
Delight in a new musical from Dreamworks. Madagascar the Musical brings Alex, Mary, Melman, and Gloria to life as they escape from the Central Park Zoo and find themselves in Madagascar and King Julien's zany kingdom. READ MORE

National Memorial Day Concert Series

Washington, DC - Friday - Monday, May 26-29
Free
Families can listen to patriotic and inspiring performances throughout Memorial Day weekend on the National Mall and at the Memorials in Washington, DC. READ MORE

Black Birders Week: STEM Day 2023

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 27
Free
Visitors will participate in a bird walk on the National Mall, learn about Black birders and ornithologists, learn how to participate in Black Birders Week activities, and engage in hands-on STEAM lessons guided by Smithsonian educators.  READ MORE

Brick City

Washington, DC - Thursdays- Mondays, May 27 - September 4
LEGO® lovers will marvel at architecture from around the world through recreations made from these bricks by UK-based artist Warren Elsmore. Brick City features lively streetscapes from Cartagena, Columbia; Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans; intricate temples from India to Mexico; and imaginative castles from medieval Japan to modern Las Vegas. READ MORE

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!

Washington, DC - Wednesdays - Mondays, May 27 - September 4
Introducing young children to the world of Curious George, this exhibit lets young visitors learn like George—through direct experiences and problem-solving—and encourages children’s natural curiosity as they explore early science, math, and engineering through hands-on play. READ MORE

Bowie's Memorial Day Parade

Bowie, MD - Saturday, May 27
Free
Marching bands, performers, floats, local clubs and organizations, and much more are featured at this year's annual Bowie Memorial Day Parade, as members of the Armed Forces are recognized. READ MORE

Holi at Mosaic

Fairfax, VA - Saturday, May 27
Free
Holi celebrates color, spring, and love, bringing friends and family together. The Mosaic District, in partnership with RASA, hosts the community for an afternoon of colored powder, music, and food.   READ MORE

Hometown Holidays Music Fest

Rockville, MD - Saturday & Sunday , May 27 & 28
Free
The city of Rockville presents a fun festival celebrating Memorial Day with two stages of entertainment by local acts, a Taste of Rockville, and activities for kids. READ MORE

ViVa Vienna!

Vienna, VA - Saturday, May 27 - Monday, May 29
Free
ViVa Vienna! is a three-day, fun-filled event celebrating community and honoring Memorial Day. Families can enjoy food, rides, music, children's activities, and more.  READ MORE

National Memorial Day Concert

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 28
Free
For more than 30 years, the National Memorial Day Concert has featured star-studded performances honoring the military service and sacrifice of men and women in uniform, their families at home, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.  While aired nationally on PBS, the public is welcome to attend this free event. READ MORE

National Memorial Day Choral Festival

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 28
Free
Designed to honor our nation's veterans and fallen heroes through musical tribute, this concert features 200 singers representing choirs from throughout the US performing with the United States Air Force Orchestra. READ MORE

Blast Off! Summer Concert at Wolf Trap

Vienna, VA - Sunday, May 28
Free
“The President’s Own” United States Marine Band launches Wolf Trap’s summer season with a free program of concert-band favorites. A fireworks display follows the concert. READ MORE

National Memorial Day Parade

Washington, DC - Monday, May 29
Free
At the nation's largest Memorial Day Parade, fallen heroes are honored. The parade features personal stories of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Special celebrity guests and musical performers are part of this family-friendly event. READ MORE

Rockville Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

Rockville, MD - Monday, May 29
Free
The Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade honors the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our freedoms. The event begins with a musical tribute at 9am, followed by the ceremony at 9:30am and a parade featuring military and community groups, marching units, dance troupes, and more at 10am. READ MORE

Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, VA - Monday, May 29
Free
Arlington National Cemetery is hosting a special Flowers of Remembrance Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate Memorial Day. READ MORE

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival

Falls Church, VA - Monday, May 29
Free
The 41st annual Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival includes a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Falls Church Veteran's Council, a 3K Fun Run, food, vendors, live music, kids' entertainment, and a parade. READ MORE
Catch a movie under the stars. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
Catch a movie under the stars. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC

More Things to Do in DC this Memorial Day Weekend with Kids

27 Summer Festivals and Fairs Near DC for Families

Gather the family and enjoy a great day out at one of these fun summer festivals. READ MORE

12 Great Summer Day Trips From DC for Families

Itching for a day away from DC? Check out our favorite summer day trips. READ MORE

Free Outdoor Movies Near DC this Summer for Kids

Enjoy one of these family-friendly flicks under the stars. READ MORE

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